Episodes

  • Frank, Tim and Brandon share their thoughts on Akira Toriyama, the genres that defined consoles, and CD-i memories. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Let’s discuss Akira Toriyama’s impact on art, culture, video games, and us personally (08:03)What’s the most common misconception about video games in 2024? (23:05)Based on a dream I had, should I learn magic, or Magic: the Gathering? (31:04)LeFish: Are there any videogames based on works in other media that have been led by their original creators? (37:10)Which game consoles do you most closely associate with particular video game genres? (43:51)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:02:04)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    RadiatoriLucky CharmsSuper Smash Brothers seriesLinkLegend of Zelda seriesTagliatelleRotiniSuper Mario Bros. Shaped SpaghettiOs with MeatballsSuper Mario seriesCheeriosOops! All BerriesXi’an Famous Foods Chili Oil & Crisps JarAkira ToriyamaSatoru IwataOsamu TezukaDragon BallCool SDragon Ball ZToonamiBuzz Rickson’s USAF L-2B Flying Jacket H-TypeDragon Quest seriesSand LandSand Land (video game)Kentaro MiuraYuji HoriiKoichi SugiyamaNaoki YoshidaFinal Fantasy XVIFinal Fantasy XIV OnlineDragon Quest X: Mezameshi Itsutsu no Shuzoku OnlineEiichiro OdaOne PieceYuzo KoshiroAstro BoyBlack JackUnityUnreal EngineGrand Theft Auto VG4The Ice Cream Is Revealed As NinjaNinjaThe Masked SingerMinecraftMagic: The GatheringPerkins Restaurant & BakeryHex & CompanyGame Developers ConferenceNormy’s Beach Babe-O-RamaKeith RobinsonDouglas AdamsThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the GalaxyThe Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher BayVin DieselDavid TwohyBrian EnoBob DylanPenn & Teller’s Smoke and MirrorsTakeshi’s CastleTakeshi no ChōsenjōMost Extreme Elimination ChallengeThe Last of UsThe Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)Penn & Teller’s Cruel Tricks for Dear FriendsMoonwalkerGhostbustersDan AykroydHarold RamisBack to the Future: The GameBob GaleBoom BloxSteven SpielbergPlayStation 2Nintendo Entertainment SystemBatman: The Video GameVice: Project DoomSuper Nintendo Entertainment SystemPlayStationSega GenesisDitherShatterhandLow G ManGunstar HeroesSonic the HedgehogSocketPC EnginePC-98Earthworm JimJak and Daxter: The Precursor LegacyRatchet & ClankDynasty Warriors seriesSega SaturnAtari 2600DreamcastCrazy TaxiSpace Channel 5Neo GeoGame BoyCastlevania seriesWonderSwanXbox 360Gears of WarGears of War 2Gears of War 3WiiPlayStation 3GameCubePikminF-Zero GXMetroid PrimeNintendo 64Conker’s Bad Fur DayWii MusicWii SportsWii Sports ResortImagine: Party BabyzDisney Epic MickeyZX SpectrumManic MinerBatmanDizzy seriesAmigaAtari Jaguar3DO Interactive MultiplayerDoomCD-iPanzer DragoonRidge RacerRoad RashPlayStation PortablePlayStation VitaGame Boy AdvanceAstro Boy: Omega FactorNintendo DSAce Attorney seriesResident Evil seriesHotel Dusk: Room 215Feel the Magic XY/XXNintendo 3DSAnimal Crossing: New LeafMario Kart seriesVirtual BoyPlayStation 4PlayStation 5The Last of Us seriesMarvel Spider-ManDays GoneHorizon: Zero DawnGhost of TsushimaGod of War seriesAnother World

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: if you thought the pontification on religion and human nature in Prometheus (2012) was bad check out the deleted scenes to see how much worse it could have been, DAFENCII

    Frank: Arzette: The Jewel of Faramore

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • The finest minds in video games and beyond contemplate unique input interfaces, classic adventure games, and a return to Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    With the recent closing of Rooster Teeth, how has machinima developed over the last 20 years? (03:19)Design a themed video game controller that ties into a particular brand but would also be fun to use. (10:12)What are the most credible depictions of gamers in media? (16:48)How do you convince a studio executive they have a bad idea before it’s too late? (23:24)Insert Credit Quick Break: Labyrinth of Cinema (29:55)Irish Carl asks: Rank the corpus of adventure games from Sierra On-Line, Infocom, LucasArts, and Cyan (30:51)What are your favorite broad personality archetypes in video game supporting characters? (38:11)Which video game would benefit most from the “World of Warcraft Classic” treatment? (43:14)How’s the future looking right now for emulation? (46:51)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island (55:01)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:03:24)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Bob’s BurgersTeddyJimmy PestoJay Johnston, ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Actor, Is Arrested on Jan. 6 ChargesMr. Show with Bob and DavidSpongeBob SquarePantsMr. PeanutbutterRooster Teeth Shut Down by Warner Bros. DiscoveryRooster TeethHalo seriesMachinimaRed vs. BlueMinecraftGreat Famine (Ireland)Dropkick MurphysSkibidi ToiletRWBYRTX#IDARBKrusty the ClownThe SimpsonsThe HomerSteel BattalionLaurie Anderson’s Puppet MotelDavid CageWii RemoteKatamari DamacyXbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2SCUF EnvisionSCUF ReflexMax Payne seriesGroove Coaster seriesResident Evil seriesTourBoxExistenz (1999)DaVinci Resolve Speed EditorThis is the actual face you make when playing Aerial Assault on the Game GearBlueskyAirheads (1994)Aerial AssaultGame GearDonkey KongHorizon: Zero DawnBreaking BadThe SopranosMario Kart 64Doom 3Adam SandlerShadow of the ColossusUncut Gems (2019)Punch-Drunk Love (2002)Sonic & All-Stars Racing: TransformedTimeSplittersShaun of the Dead (2004)Simon PeggHot Fuzz (2007)The World’s End (2013)Mission: ImpossibleScottyElon MuskSierra EntertainmentInfocomLucasfilm GamesCyan WorldsRon GilbertTim SchaferZorkA Mind Forever VoyagingMystRiven: The Sequel to MystFinal Fantasy seriesBlade RunnerHarlan Ellison: I Have No Mouth, and I Must ScreamIndiana Jones and the Fate of AtlantisTokimeki MemorialManiac MansionDeja Vu: A Nightmare Comes True!!ShadowgateThe Space BarDennis HopperMicrosoft OfficeThe WitnessBarret WallaceOobletsMusashiArchie BunkerTifa LockhartAerith GainsboroughJudgment seriesDon QuixoteWorld of Warcraft ClassicFinal Fantasy XIVBejeweled 3Candy Crush SagaAngry BirdsResident Evil 4Devil May CryWiiNintendo Switch emulator Yuzu will utterly fold and pay $2.4M to settle its lawsuitDolphin EmulatorSteam DeckRed ViperThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildTruxtonBlazing LazersRampageFort CondorPepper RoniServbotDomasi “Tommy” TawodiMorgan Yu

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Johnny’s Selected Seeds instead of Baker Creek Seeds if you’re a gardening type person who wants to avoid funding bad stuff, Gary Jagels, Zindrew Crunchy Garlic Chili Oil

    Tim: Xi’an Famous Foods Chili Oil & Crisps Jar

    Frank: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by Labyrinth of Cinema, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • When the Insert Credit Panel chose Final Fantasy XVI as their Game of the Year 2023, the game industry couldn’t help but rise up and wholeheartedly, sincerely agree. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Defend your choice of Final Fantasy XVI as Game of the Year 2023 (04:55)Testimonials From More Game Industry Thought Leaders Affirming Final Fantasy XVI is Game of the Year 2023 (18:56)Rainbow Battle Kid asks: What are the best cases of a creator continuing a game series under a new title? (38:45)What does a Triple B video game look like? (47:34)Has any game ever had a good mobile tie-in? (51:25)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: Soda Jerk - Musical Genres (56:50)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:05:24)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Final FantasyJudge MagisterCup NoodlesGladiolus AmicitiaRick and MortyRed MageDragon’s DogmaFinal Fantasy XVIInsert Credit Show 325 - Game of the Year 2023, with Kris GraftFinal Fantasy VII RebirthFinal Fantasy XVCrisis Core: Final Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy XFinal Fantasy XIISquare Enix launches its first NFT projectSquare Enix says it used AI art in upcoming Foamstars gameParanormasight: The Seven Mysteries of HonjoClive RosfieldBoku no NatsuyasumiGran Turismo seriesThe Lighthouse (2019)Willem DafoeFinal Fantasy XIIIKingdom Hearts seriesCastlevania seriesThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomPuyo PopAsh ParrishFinal Fantasy VIStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy OriginChrista LeeBloodborneHarper JayFinal Fantasy VIIIGiovanni ColantonioTop Gun: Maverick (2022)Mortal Engines (2018)Max KriegerLucy JamesBen StarrKim JusticePhil SalvadorAtari JaguarJohn LinnemanGod of War seriesAssassin’s Creed seriesPatrick MillerRyota SuzukiMarvel vs. Capcom 2Jenna StoeberGetting Over It with Bennett FoddyBennett FoddyThorHighHeelsGame of ThronesDirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles - The Crystal BearersGene ParkDevil May Cry seriesCan You Pet the Dog?The Night Sky PrinceBaldur’s Gate IIIGita JacksonMighty No. 9Bloodstained seriesMega Man seriesNick OffermanBanjo-KazooieYooka-LayleeThe Last StoryLost OdysseyYoshitaka MurayamaSuikoden seriesEiyuden Chronicle seriesOctopath TravelerChuck’s Challenge 3DChip’s ChallengeMutant Football LeagueMutant League FootballSkull and BonesHalf Price BooksKen LevineElon MuskDavid CageMortal Kombat gamesBeyond: Two SoulsVA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender ActionThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind WakerSonic AdventureWorld of WarCraftFamily GuyDestinyPhantasy Star Online

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Ghostbusters (2016), Benjamin Earl Turner - “HEADSPACE/BENT”

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • Your Insert Credit panel returns to cover the greatest leap in console graphics ever, the Sonic Cinematic Universe, and Tiara Cyberooski. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    How was D.I.C.E.? (04:39)When is taking notes while playing games fun, and when is it a chore? (13:07)What would it take for the next Xbox to be “the largest technical leap you’ve ever seen in a hardware generation”? (18:25)What is the future of the Sonic Cinematic Universe? (24:02)Insert Credit Quick Break: GLYDR (29:37)Kory asks: If you had to design a fighting game with a roster consisting solely of variants of the same character, who would it be? (31:16)Have you ever played a video game and gotten to a part where you thought, “Oh, this would have been an exciting surprise if I were a different sort of person”? (39:08)What’s the worst love story ever told in video games? (49:10)What makes the concept of an ancient evil returning in the present day such a staple of video games, and adventure fiction overall? (55:17)

    A Message from Alex Jaffe (01:01:00)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:03:02)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    SlimerThe Real GhostbustersGarbage Pail KidsAltered BeastSolid SnakeD.I.C.E. SummitChef KennyChef Kenny’s Vegan Dim SumNintendo Entertainment SystemRetro City GamesSETA CorporationKemco/SeikaNosferatuBio Force ApeHalf Bird Chicken & BeerKung LaoPegs Glorified Ham n EggsBaldur’s Gate IIITodd HowardDavid CageForgotten RealmsR. A. SalvatoreThe Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimFinal Fantasy XVIGenshin ImpactFinal Fantasy VIIIDavid LynchMicrosoft says next Xbox will ‘deliver largest technical leap seen in a hardware generation’Halo seriesThe Witcher seriesAlan Wake IICyberpunk 2077Kingdom Hearts IIIToy Story (1995)The Last of Us: Part IIGears of WarSonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)KnucklesSonic 3D BlastSonic RSonic X-tremeTiara BoobowskiTaylor SwiftKrysten RitterRouge the BatHayden ChristensenShadow the HedgehogStar Wars prequel trilogyMark HamillAmadeusOutcast (2014)Batman (1989)Amy RoseThe Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)MinionsChaoTyson HesseRyuKen MastersShotokanSpider-VerseSpider-ManSuper Smash Brothers seriesMarioLuigiBob HoskinsCharles MartinetAl PacinoScent of a Woman (1992)You Don’t Know Jack (2010)Phil Spector (2013)Scarface (1983)Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)Serpico (1973)Dog Day Afternoon (1975)The Adventures of Captain Heat (1995)The Irishman (2019)Homer SimpsonJack KirbySuperman’s Pal Jimmy OlsenNewsboy LegionSupermanRick and MortyTransilvaneApokolipsDarkseidDragon Age IIFelicia DayFallout: New VegasMystery Science Theater 3000#IDARBShadow DancerGodzillaThe Revenge of ShinobiBatmanAstalMarvel Spider-ManMarvel Spider-Man: Miles MoralesProwlerBatman: Arkham seriesJason ToddFinal Fantasy VII RebirthFinal Fantasy VII: RemakeFinal Fantasy VIIChrono TriggerTetsuya NomuraWhite DaySonic the Hedgehog (2006)Silver the HedgehogBubsy seriesAero the Acro-BatIndigo ProphecyPac-ManThe Ancient Magus’ BrideDragon Quest seriesJ. R. R. TolkienGame of ThronesDemonschoolDark Souls

    Recommendations:

    Tim: Get a real good chair, listen to the ad on this week’s episode of Insert Credit

    Frank: GLYDR now on Kickstarter

    Brandon: TimesSqKungFU

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by GLYDR which is now on Kickstarter, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • Action Button’s Tim Rogers and Necrosoft’s Brandon Sheffield share thoughts about every game they played that was released in 2023. Hosted by Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Games of 2023 Discussed:

    Little Goody Two Shoes (04:48)Lies of P (08:55)Thirsty Suitors (13:28) (Note: this segment contains light spoilers)Blasphemous 2 (18:05)The Last Faith (20:07)Metroid Prime: Remastered (24:47)Star Ocean: The Second Story R (27:05)Fire Emblem: Engage (34:20)Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp (39:15)Persona 5: Tactica (42:06)Star Wars: Jedi - Survivor (47:25)Hogwarts Legacy (50:09)System Shock (54:24)Insert Credit Quick Break: GLYDR now on Kickstarter (57:21)One more thing about Hogwarts Legacy (59:00)Dead Space (01:01:03)Dave the Diver (01:03:12)Immortals of Aveum (01:04:34)Remnant II (01:05:57)Pizza Tower (01:10:31)Wanted: Dead (01:12:39)Fading Afternoon (01:23:19)Sea of Stars (01:24:13)Assassin’s Creed: Mirage (01:32:32)Eternights (01:33:16)Diablo IV (01:37:45)Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath - Vengance of the Slayer (01:42:31)Honkai: Star Rail (01:44:14)Vernal Edge (01:49:51)Pikmin 4 (01:53:15)Endless Dungeon (01:54:03)Merge & Blade (01:54:58)Lords of the Fallen (01:56:33)Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (02:00:35)Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (02:01:51)Hyper Gunsport (02:02:47)Chants of Sennaar (02:04:00)Jusant (02:04:30)Hitman: World of Assassination Freelancer Mode (02:04:48)Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo (02:05:02)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    DalekCraigKurt FeldmanSonic SuperstarsHi-Fi RushFrank CifaldiMagic Knight RayearthClampSailor MoonSlayersVA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender ActionLegend of ManaMoon: Remix RPG AdventurePinocchio (2002)Pinocchio (2019)Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)Pinocchio (1940)Dark SoulsBloodborneAnnapurna InteractiveNight in the WoodsBlasphemousElden RingResident Evil 4 RemakeMetroid Prime Remastered - DF Tech ReviewHalo: Combat EvolvedStar Ocean seriesFinal Fantasy VIISuikodenKingdom Hearts seriesRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesKabukichōKamurochōFire Emblem seriesN-GageShoto TodorokiNewton’s cradleFamicom Wars seriesTearRing Saga seriesPersona seriesValkyria Chronicles seriesMario + Rabbids seriesTom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Shadow WarsX-COM seriesJ.K. RowlingCastlevania: Symphony of the NightMetal Gear SolidStar Wars: Jedi - Fallen OrderTitanfall seriesCall of Duty 4: Modern WarfareForspokenSystem ShockQuakeQuake IITurokDead SpaceDisney•Pixar Cars 2WB Games | AvalancheAvalanche Studios ABRemnant: From the Ashes seriesQuantum TheoryWarhammer 40,000: DarktideWarhammer: The End Times - VermintideWario Land seriesVoid StrangerA tweet from the Wanted: Dead twitter accountPulp Fiction (1994)Earth Defense Force seriesNaruto to Boruto: Shinobi StrikerFinal Fantasy XVIDevil May Cry 5Ninja Gaiden BlackThe Friends of Ringo IshikawaJordan PetersonThe MessengerChrono TriggerDragon Quest VOctopath TravelerFinal Fantasy VIAnearth Fantasy Stories: The First VolumeLinda³Assassin’s Creed seriesThe Witcher seriesMetaphor: ReFantazioDiablo seriesBabylon’s FallRalph InesonSoul Calibur seriesTEKKEN 8 - “Story So Far” with Brian CoxDuskJeremy RennerGenshin ImpactGranblue Fantasy: RelinkWonder BoyMonster World IVVelldeselba Senki: Tsubasa no KunshōGuardian HeroesSkyblazerStarfieldPikmin seriesOne of theseFextralifeIron PineappleFree content planEffortlessly metalLife Is Strange seriesThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomGhost Trick: Phantom Detective428: Shibuya ScrambleZero Escape seriesDanganronpa series13 Sentinels: Aegis RimWorld of Horror

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Wishlist Demonschool on Steam

    Tim: Post in the Goblin Bunker insert credit thread every 2PM EST on Thursdays to possibly get mentioned on accident in the show

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by GLYDR now on Kickstarter, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • The best video game of the year 2023 is decided by VGHF’s Frank Cifaldi, Action Button’s Tim Rogers, Necrosoft’s Brandon Sheffield, and Alienware’s Kris Graft. Also, the design of the Switch 2 is revealed. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Kris Graft. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    The Nomination Process:

    Frank Cifaldi’s First Nomination (02:57)Frank Cifaldi’s Second Nomination (11:34)Frank Cifaldi’s Third Nomination (15:00)Brandon Sheffield’s First Nomination (29:40)Kris Graft’s First Nomination (41:31)Tim Rogers’ First Nomination (01:00:42)Brandon Sheffield’s Second Nomination (01:08:25)Kris Graft’s Second Nomination (01:19:41)Tim Rogers’ Second Nomination (01:35:18)Insert Credit Quick Break: GLYDR (01:48:06)Brandon Sheffield’s Third Nomination (01:49:45)Kris Graft’s Third Nomination (02:00:06)Tim Rogers’ Third Nomination (02:14:02)Brandon Sheffield’s Fourth Nomination (02:20:36)Tim Rogers’ Fourth Nomination (02:26:19)Brandon Sheffield’s Fifth Nomination (02:23:15)Tim Rogers’ Fifth Nomination (02:40:02)Brandon Sheffield’s Sixth Nomination (02:50:18)Brandon Sheffield’s Seventh Nomination (02:53:08)Tim Rogers’ Sixth Nomination (02:55:41)Tim Rogers’ Seventh Nomination (03:03:25)

    View the finalized ranked list in the Insert Credit Forums or at insertcredit.com

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Marvel Spider-Man 2Marvel Spider-ManBatman: Arkham seriesSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueMarvel Spider-Man: Miles MoralesAquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)Roger EbertMortal Kombat (1995)God of War: Ragnarök - ValhallaDark SoulsHorizon seriesThe Last of Us seriesVultureMichael KeatonRatchet & Clank: Rift ApartAvengers: Endgame (2019)Small SagaBaldur’s Gate IIIElden RingBaldur’s GateBaldur’s Gate II: Shadows of AmnIcewind DaleNeverwinter NightsDragon Age seriesDungeons & DragonsCyberpunk 2077Fire Emblem seriesThe Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimSid Meier’s Civilization seriesGrand Theft Auto seriesGaleAstarionTomb Raider seriesSuper Saiyan 5The Witcher seriesFinal Fantasy XVICrisis Core: Final Fantasy VIIFinal Fantasy XIV OnlineGame of ThronesAsura’s WrathDragon’s DogmaDevil May Cry seriesFinal Fantasy XVFinal Fantasy IVFinal Fantasy VIFinal Fantasy XBen StarrSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceStarfieldStarCraftTodd HowardNo Man’s SkyTodd McFarlaneBethesda’s Game Design Was Outdated a Decade AgoShohei OhtaniFallout seriesKingdom Hearts seriesDavid CagePseudoregaliaBujingai: The Forsaken CityShinobiBrightisNeorudeLagnacure LegendUndertaleBayonetta seriesTitanfall seriesPrince of PersiaLandstalkerrittzVexxTy the Tasmanian TigerSuper Mario 64ElectrokineticForspokenGravity FallsUncharted seriesBanjo-KazooieDavid MametGlengarry Glen RossRoboCop: Rogue CityRoboCop (1987)Grasshopper ManufactureJames GunnGoichi SudaRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesTerminator: ResistanceLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His NamePaul VerhoevenStellar BladeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomDiablo IVStreet Fighter 6Alan Wake IIArmored Core VI: Fires of RubiconSuper Mario Bros. WonderGenshin ImpactHonkai: Star RailDestinyAssassin’s Creed: MirageLike a Dragon: Ishin!Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His NameOctopath Traveler IIThe Gilded AgeOctopath TravelerHironobu SakaguchiFinal Fantasy: The 4 Heroes of LightBravely DefaultPokémon seriesTobal 2Guilty Gear: StriveAnimal Crossing seriesArmored Core seriesAce Combat seriesDriv3rGran Turismo seriesFire Pro Wrestling seriesCyberpunk 2077: Phantom LibertyHollow KnightIdris ElbaStreet Fighter IVResident Evil 4 RemakeMetal Gear SolidCocoonLimboInsideStrayOuter WildsJourneyAlan Wake IIControlQuantum BreakAlan WakeMax Payne seriesStonecuttersSuper Mario OdysseyThe Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)Bennett FoddyShadow of the BeastBonk seriesSplatoon seriesHi-Fi RushFuga: Melodies of Steel 2Fuga: Melodies of SteelSonic SuperstarsSonic AdvanceVoid StrangerSokobanSukebansukebeCave NoireFive Nights at Freddy’sMinecraftGone with the WindFrog FractionsLegend of Zelda seriesFortniteBrütal Legend

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by GLYDR which is now on Kickstarter, and patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • Tim Rogers hosts the Insert Credit panel this week, exploring Hideo Kojima’s recent announcements, the first working game developer to reach 80 years old, and Korean butt animation. Hosted by Tim Rogers, with Frank Cifaldi, Alex Jaffe, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Choose a video game coming out in 2024 and ask Frank to play it (11:16)When do you think you’ll stop playing video games, Brandon Sheffield? (26:32)Did you all see the Hideo Kojima stuff at PlayStation State of Play? (39:44)Why aren’t there more Hideo Kojimas? (55:40)Alex Jaffe, flip a coin (01:06:53)Insert Credit Time Capsule (01:08:01)A Brief Medical Update (01:21:48)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:29:24)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    The Matrix (1999)Photochromic lensBoktai: The Sun is in Your HandPokémonAmbidexterityBob DylanSonic the Hedgehog (2020)video games coming out in 2024 - Google SearchSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice LeagueBatman: Arkham seriesDragon’s Dogma 2Dogma (1999)Alone in the Dark seriesPersona seriesPersona 3: ReloadRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s AwakeningLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthUnicorn OverlordRise of the RōninAssassin’s Creed seriesPrincess Peach: Showtime!Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred HeroesSkull and BonesFinal Fantasy VII RebirthMetaphor: ReFantazioDemonschoolFunko FusionEarth Defense Force 6Prince of Persia: The Lost CrownRayman OriginsBlack Myth: WukongAll the news from PlayStation’s 2024 State of PlaymiHoYoHonkai: Star RailGenshin ImpactFortnitePalworldPlayerUnknown’s BattlegroundsRobloxStellar BladeSony Interactive EntertainmentSilent Hill 2 Remake’s New Trailer Is All About CombatTeenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesBonk’s RevengeSkibidi ToiletLethal CompanyStarfieldGunstar HeroesBaldur’s Gate II: Shadows of AmnBaldur’s Gate IIIStreet Fighter IIStreet Fighter 6Diablo IIDiablo IVImmortals of AveumNieRNieR: AutomataEarthbladeCelesteMaddy ThorsonHideo KojimaDeath Stranding 2 On The BeachGeorge MillerSilent Hill: The Short MessageP.T.PHYSINT is the working title of Hideo Kojima’s new not-a-Metal-Gear gameQuentin TarantinoKen LevineBioShock seriesSystem ShockJudasFive Nights at Freddy’sKendall RoyBennett FoddyGetting Over It with Bennett FoddyJonathan BlowDavid CageTetsuya NomuraKingdom Hearts seriesCliff BleszinskiThe Outer WorldsSharknado: The Video GameMichael MannFerrari (2023)Hayao MiyazakiMartin ScorseseDragon Quest seriesYuji HoriiShigeru MiyamotoJake KazdalYoung Yuji HoriTim SchaferPuyo PuyoYoshiro KimuraRandom.orgBanjo-KazooieYs seriesGain GroundXanadu gamesElectronic Gaming MonthlyMagic SwordPaladin’s QuestFinal FightKirby’s Dream LandContra III: The Alien WarsSonic the Hedgehog 2Knights of the RoundSpinal disc herniationGanbare Goemon series

    Recommendations:

    Jaffe: Reach out on Bluesky for personalized comic book recommendations between 2/5/24 and 2/11/24, 52 Pickup, Sandman Mystery Theatre for Tim specifically, Poor Things (2023)

    Brandon: Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989)

    Tim: FREAKHUNTER, LowercaseJai, GLYDR Kickstarter

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

    Subscribe: RSS, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

  • Your benevolent Insert Credit panel covers Palworld, video game mysteries, and the birth of a new speedrunning category, the 50% run. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Frank asks: What is the proper nomenclature for the Snatcherlike video game? (13:09)Is Palworld satire? (20:28)Invent a new speedrunning category (28:40)Stephanie asks: What’s a video game unsolved mystery or urban legend want solved or confirmed? (39:35)Which individual video game enemy has killed the greatest number of players globally? (46:47)If you could swap any two video game sound effects between games, which ones would they be? (52:03)Who is the Batman of video games? (56:09)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As: Sim City 2000 (01:04:37)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:17:18)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    WeetabixUncle O’GrimaceyFITCRUNCH Mint Chocolate ChipKeebler CompanyTrixJason ToddHoneycombDavid CronenbergThe NoidSanta ClausTony & Friends: in Kellogg’s LandSnatcherLegend of Zelda seriesDevil May CryResident EvilShenmueSuper Mario Bros. 3The Secret of Monkey IslandPolicenautsPortopia Renzoku Satsujin JikenPrincess Tomato in the Salad KingdomQuakeCall of Duty seriesPalworldSouth ParkAlanis MorissettePokémon seriesVideoballPokémon GOFortniteAwesome Games Done Quick’s adorable dog speedrun was just the startGyromiteSuper Mario 64Summoning SaltSonic the Hedgehog seriesTokimeki MemorialCastlevania seriesAnimal Crossing: New HorizonsSplatterhouseMetroidThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildMagic: The GatheringRed Dead Redemption IIStudy finds bigfoot sightings correlate with black bear populationsDavid CageThe Wizard (1989)Sylvan TalePhantom DustBoundary BreakP.T.oddheaderGameHutGoombaPac-ManElden RingSpace InvadersDonkey KongTetrisMinecraftGrand Theft Auto seriesVillagerSuper Smash Brothers seriesTom NookImpossible MissionThe Elder Scrolls III: MorrowindTim AllenStreets of RageEarthworm JimBatmanMichael KeatonRobert PattinsonGeorge ClooneyBatman Begins (2005)PopeyeSpider-Man licenseesMortal Kombat seriesJokerJack NicholsonBatman (1989)The Dark Knight ReturnsShigeru MiyamotoAssassin’s Creed seriesWatch_DogsGunpei YokoiBlasterheadGexBubsyBruce WaynneDef Jam: Fight for NYMLBJuicedBatman: Arkham seriesTed NugentWayne KnightTed KnightSuper FriendsSimCity 2000

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Kantors Office Furniture if you want to try out office furniture in the Bay Area, use your treat dust to make new dog treats, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981)

    Jaffe: 52 Pickup

    Brandon’s “Daddy’s Dusters” Dog Treat Recipe:

    1 cup flour1 egg1/2 cup wet ingredient (pumpkin, yogurt, etc)1/6th cup peanut butterTreat dust

    Mix ingredients “all up,” distribute on cookie sheet, bake at “lower medium” heat for 30 minutes “depending on how your oven works”

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  • The classic Insert Credit panel covers a game preservation dilemma, the 2007 Honda Shepherd, and a new mascot for Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Kim Justice asks: In games where water is lethal, at what part of the body should that water kill you? (08:19)Is there a better way to implement communication in video games than dialogue trees? (14:06)What are the top five most fun crimes to commit in video games? (20:36)What would Bayonetta 9 be like? (26:49)Brandon asks: When does bootlegging count as video game preservation? (32:41)Gaagaagiins asks: What are some of the best (or most interesting) games you can get a physical copy of on eBay (or equivalent) for about 10 bucks USD (excluding shipping) without much trouble? (38:56)What is usually the worst kind of vehicle to control in a video game? (42:54)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island (49:05)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:09:46)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Ninja Gaiden seriesCruis’n USASisyphusSuper Mario seriesSonic the HedgehogBubsy seriesDeath StrandingCastlevania seriesMega Man seriesElevator ActionSquare Enix AI Tech Preview: The Portopia Serial Murder CaseSnatcherPrincess Tomato in the Salad KingdomMass Effect seriesRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildCyberpunk 2077The Walking DeadOxenfreeFirewatchBatman: The Telltale SeriesThe Last of Us seriesBatman: Arkham seriesHitman seriesDragon Quest seriesMission: ImpossibleRockstar Games, Inc.Uwe BollIndigo ProphecyDavid CageHideki KamiyaBayonetta seriesKingdom Hearts seriesBayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost DemonShouzou KagaFire Emblem seriesTearRing Saga seriesVestaria Saga seriesHideki NaganumaSuper Real Mahjong PII ・III Custom Special ☆ VERAction Comics 1Flipnic: Ultimate PinballCity CrisisCrisis CityGears of War seriesHalo seriesLost OdysseyLost Planet 2Final Fantasy IVL.A. NoireBioShock seriesFallout 3The Beatles: Rock BandRage (Anarchy Edition)NASCAR 08Grand Theft Auto VEarth Defense Force seriesThe Hunt for Red October (1990)John McTiernanWave Race seriesJet Moto seriesF-Zero seriesPilotWings seriesCobra TriangleThe Hunt for Red OctoberIn the HuntHydro ThunderCrimson Skies seriesBlast CorpsShenmue seriesFinal Fantasy VIISub RebellionSteel Diver seriesStar Fox seriesSuper Mario OdysseyNormy’s Beach Babe-O-RamaGreendog: The Beached Surfer Dude!Mr. GimmickYoko TaroHunterSpy HunterBlack LotusWilliam

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Srigala (1981), Columbo

    Tim: Find things to interrogate about objects you take for granted

    Frank: Final Fantasy VII: Remake

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  • European video game documentarian Kim Justice joins the panel to discuss a broad variety of accents, whether or not Sonic R is a British game, and a revisitation of our Best British Games list. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Kim Justice. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Has a video game ever captured the qualities of sumo? (10:46)What are the most essential things we wouldn’t have in games today without the early European games scene? (17:46)Apart from brand recognition, what are the advantages and disadvantages of working on a licensed game? (25:55)What is the worst video game the most people have played? (32:52)Carl/Charles: What would an English version of The Tairyou Jigoku’s multiple dialect options be like? (40:23)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: Best British Games revisitation (50:27)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:01:25)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    CeXMichigan: Report from HellSonic the Hedgehog 3The Secret of Monkey IslandThe Legend of ZeldaMetroidCocoonParasite EveThe 3rd BirthdayGrange HillThe HulkSumoSuper Mario 64Ys seriesVirtua FighterBuriki One: World Grapple Tournament ’99 in TokyoDeath StrandingYie Ar Kung-FuShadow of the BeastRoger DeanPsygnosisWizardry gamesThe Black OnyxHenk RogersTim RogersGary SheffieldBrandon SheffieldMichael JacksonFred RogersOutkast - Ms. JacksonThe Police - RoxanneEddie Murphy - RoxanneDuane ReadeWalgreensStar Wars: Return of the Jedi - Death Star BattleTRONTron (1982)Alien: ResurrectionGoldenEye 007Sharknado: The Video GameSharknado 2: The Second One (2014)CobraRocky (1976)Candy Crush SagaFarmVilleBubble Witch Saga2048Threes!Carlsbad Caverns National ParkThe Tairyou JigokuThe Great British Bake OffGex seriesLeslie PhillipsDana GouldKSAN 107.7 The BoneSpace GhostGeorge LoweLamont & TonelliDiablo seriesGeorge Bernard ShawMy Fair LadyGlasgow dialectGeordieManchester dialectWarwick DavisWillow (1988)Cary GrantAudrey HepburnElton JohnArchie LeachDaniel CraigKnives Out (2019)Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)Logan Lucky (2017)Adam DriverSean Connery

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Turn off YouTube’s Ambient Mode if you watch a lot of 4:3 content on your phone, CapsuleCity.com

    Kim: If you have a thumb drive with old documents sitting around, go back and read some, Kim Justice on YouTube, Kim Justice’s Wrestling Road, kim_justice on Twitch, Waterworld (SNES) - Soundtrack

    Tim: If you live in the city of New York, never ride the subway ever again, check out Waterworld (1995) if you’re Frank Cifaldi, The Zone of Interest (2023)

    Frank: Kim Justice as a concept

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  • Your Insert Credit panel returns to cover another death of physical media, Steamboat Willie, and The Minecraft Reality TV Show Criminal Court Case Chronicles. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    Are we approaching an era without physical game releases? (04:51)Does gameplay have to be the starting principle of a good video game? (20:00)Public Domain Adaptation Game: Design a game based on Steamboat Willie (26:12)Catherine: What games are best structured for playing a little bit each day? (35:21)Following the acclaim of Pokemon Concierge, what should be the next video game show set in the world of a game but not about the game itself? (42:55)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: The Time Is Right (49:20)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:00:36)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    D.I.C.E. AwardsEd Boon1999 2nd Annual Interactive Achievement AwardsMartin ShortCoolioThe Last of Us seriesSilent Hill 3Best Buy will no longer carry physical movies in 2024Writers Guild of AmericaValkyria Chronicles seriesHard Target (1993)The Departed (2006)Dragon Quest seriesHyper GunsportRedboxGrateful DeadAssassin’s Creed IIDigital EclipseBoku no NatsuyasumiDevolver DigitalUnsightedThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildSteamboat WillieLady Chatterley’s LoverD. H. LawrenceMickey MouseSherlock HolmesWarren SpectorPhil SpectorWill WrightDisney Epic MickeyMinnie Mouseship’s wheelThe Skeleton Dance (public domain next year)Ub IwerksCastle of Illusion starring Mickey MouseHollow KnightSuper Mario seriesRick and MortyPeteSuper Mario 64Super HydlideH.E.R.O.Shenmue seriesElden RingPersona seriesPokémon ConciergeThe White LotusRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesBattles Without Honor and HumanityIkebukuro West Gate ParkPokémon Concierge Theme Song “Have a Good Time Here”Mariya TakeuchiThe Last of UsThe Walking DeadForza Motorsport seriesInitial DNeed for Speed seriesMinecraftOld Enough!

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Apologies to people who know about religions, The Tairyou Jigoku

    Frank: Search a search engine for The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX

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  • As has become tradition, Insert Credit ranks the best games of all time. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Chapters:

    The Premise This Year: Metacritic Scores Below 80 (12:29)Round 1 - Brandon (18:05)Round 1 - Frank (21:25)Round 1 - Tim (23:51)Round 2 - Brandon (26:39)Round 2 - Frank (31:31)Round 2 - Tim (35:04)Round 3 - Brandon (41:32)Round 3 - Frank (47:24)Round 3 - Tim (53:48)Round 4 - Brandon (01:02:46)Round 4 - Frank (01:06:52)Round 4 - Tim (01:12:58)Insert Credit Quick Break: Butter Dorks (01:18:43)A Little More About God Hand (01:20:03)Round 5 - Brandon (01:22:41)Round 5 - Frank (01:29:05)Round 5 - Tim (01:37:54)Round 6 - Brandon (01:50:59)Round 6 - Frank (01:55:54)Round 6 - Tim (02:04:32)Final Round and Honorable Mentions - Brandon (02:13:15)Final Round and Honorable Mentions - Frank (02:25:42)Final Round and Honorable Mentions - Tim (02:33:54)Outro (02:52:03)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Batman (1989)Batman Returns (1992)Batman ’89Sam HammDennis O’NeilThe Flash (2023)Michael KeatonAnton FurstMax FleischerDick SprangThe Dark Knight (2008)ChicagoThe BundChina Strike Force (2000)Mark DacascosCoolioOriental Pearl TowerStrange Days (1995)Westin Bonaventure HotelFace/Off (1997)The Net (1995)American McGeeDoomMetacriticSideways (2004)GunhouseRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesNieRPlatinumGamesDark SaviorUndertaleAlundraThe Ninja Saviors: Return of the WarriorsAnodyneThe Legend of Zelda: Link’s AwakeningSteambot ChroniclesKatamari DamacyEarth Defense Force seriesDigital FoundryFlipnic: Ultimate PinballHearthstone: Heroes of WarCraftMy Little PonyBreath of Fire: Dragon QuarterDead RisingIcoShadow of the ColossusPanzer DragoonSiloPersona seriesRidge Racer 6Ridge Racer 7Ridge Racer VGran Turismo seriesChulipCaptain★RainbowGiftpiaAnimal CrossingBoku no NatsuyasumiEarthBoundMoonMinami-SenjuAdventures of Tom SawyerOutRun: Online ArcadeOutRun 2006: Coast 2 CoastOutRun 2Ferrari (2023)OutRun 2 AbandonwareGroundhog Day (1993)WheelmanBujingai: The Forsaken CityWuxiaShachou EiyuudenSifuShinobiGacktRaw Danger!Super Mario seriesDevil Summoner: Soul HackersGod HandSpartan: Total WarriorMetal Gear SolidTotal War seriesGod of WarShinji MikamiDark SoulsRibbit KingDeadly PremonitionWarren SpectorHidetaka SuehiroTwin PeaksMarvel Spider-Man 2Lost OdysseyBlue DragonFinal Fantasy XIIIHironobu SakaguchiNobuo UematsuTakehiko InoueVagabondSlam DunkKiyoshi ShigematsuFinal Fantasy XDragon Quest seriesHideo KojimaThe King of Fighters XIIIStreet Fighter IVStreet Fighter 6Intellivision Lives!Keith RobinsonNormy’s Beach Babe-O-RamaSNK 40th Anniversary CollectionMunch MobileDouble Dragon & Kunio-kun: Retro Brawler BundleKunio / Nekketsu High gamesMega Man: Legacy CollectionSamurai Shodown NeoGeo CollectionHyper GunsportBullet WitchGhost in the Shell: Stand Alone ComplexCaviaHalo seriesDevil May CryF.I.S.T.: Forged in Shadow TorchR-Type FinalMetal Slug 3Lost Planet seriesThe SaboteurSummon Night: Swordcraft StoryDoom 64Turok licenseesBalan WonderworldKiller7Crazy Taxi 3: High RollerWolfenstein: The New OrderBioShockThe Last of UsBioShock InfiniteCall of Duty: Modern WarfareThe Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimFallout 3Fallout 4Fallout: New VegasStarfieldNo Man’s SkyDino Crisis 2Mirror’s EdgeMetroid Prime PinballStar Fox CommandElectroplanktonThe CaveMaster of IllusionCity CrisisJaws: UnleashedEcco the DolphinWonder Boy: The Dragon’s TrapLizardcubeMonster Boy and the Cursed KingdomStrangleholdDungeon Maker: Hunting GroundBrave Story: New TravelerMonster Kingdom: Jewel SummonerBionic CommandoWild Arms XFPandora’s TowerCuldcept SagaNoby Noby BoyWild Arms 5Ape Escape 3Uncharted series

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  • Brandon Sheffield celebrates the end of his Japan trip by comparing video game purchases with Digital Foundry’s John Linneman. By Brandon Sheffield and John Linneman, with an intro by Alex Jaffe. Featuring the track “It’s Different Now” by Ice Choir. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Segments**:**

    Preface (00:26)Sitting in Saizeriya (02:55)John: Akira Psycho Ball (04:10)Brandon: Destruction Derby (06:39)John: Pu•Li•Ru•La (08:30)Brandon: Panzer Bandit (11:58)John: Gun Survivor 3: Dino Crisis (14:08)Brandon: Namco Anthology 1 & 2 (17:43)John: Lethal Enforcers (19:51)Brandon: Vib-Ribbon and Alnam no Tsubasa (21:45)John: Hresvelgr (23:42)Brandon: After Burner III (24:49)John: Heavy Metal Thunder (25:38)Brandon: Zeiram Zone (27:17)John: Tempo (28:36)Brandon: Community Pom (32:54)John: Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim (34:50)Brandon: Demolition Man (37:55)John: Crack Down (39:39)Brandon: Sōkyūgurentai (41:51)John: Soldier Blade (43:20)Brandon: Double Dragon II (46:15)John: Thunder Force V: Perfect System (48:23)Brandon: Kurohyō 2: Ryū ga Gotoku (49:54)John: Ø Story and Kunoichi (51:16)Brandon: Biomotor Unitron 2 (53:48)John: Silent Line: Armored Core III (54:48)Brandon: Royal Stone (55:24)Rattling Off A Few More (56:32)Ice Choir - It’s Different Now (01:04:00)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket SlimeJohn LinnemanSaizeriyaEp. 109 - Part One – Insert Credit AbroadTokyo Insect ZooPanzer BanditGunners HeavenMad Stalker: Full Metal ForceSpace Channel 5MIL-CDDigital FoundryAkira Psycho BallKAZe Co., Ltd.KAZe Digital Pinball seriesDigital Pinball: NecronomiconSaban’s Power Rangers Zeo: Full Tilt Battle PinballResident Evil seriesKyūtenkai: Fantastic PinballFlipnic: Ultimate PinballDevil’s CrushAlien CrushMetroid Prime PinballPokémon PinballKirby’s Pinball LandPinball QuestDestruction DerbyMiSTerPsygnosis LimitedReflections Interactive LimitedWipEout 3Lemmings RevolutionPu•Li•Ru•LaTaito CorporationFill in Café Co., Ltd.Gun Survivor 3: Dino CrisisCD-iDino CrisisGun Survivor 4: BioHazard - Heroes Never DieGunConShinkiroPsi-Ops: The Mindgate ConspiracyNamco: Anthology 1Namco: Anthology 2Namco Museum seriesStar LusterBabelWrestleballValkyrie no DensetsuLethal EnforcersTime Crisis 3Virtua CopMad Dog McCreeGradiusHenry ExplorersVib-RibbonMasaya MatsuuraAlnam no Tsubasa: Shōjin no Sora no Kanata eAlnam no Kiba: Jūzoku Jūnishinto DensetsuRight Stuff Corp.HresvelgrAfter Burner IIIG-Loc: Air BattleHeavy Metal ThunderZeiram ZoneZeiramTempoTempo Jr.Super Tempo32XAtari JaguarPatrick BatemanSonic the Hedgehog: SpinballSega CDCosmic Fantasy StoriesCommunity PomFill in Café Co., Ltd.Asuka 120% Burning Fest.Ys VI: The Ark of NapishtimYs seriesYs: The Oath in FelghanaYs IV: The Dawn of YsDemolition ManBattle Mania DaiginjōCrack DownAlien SyndromeGain GroundSōkyūgurentaiRadiant SilvergunSoldier BladeDouble Dragon II: The RevengeThunder Force V: Perfect SystemHyper DuelBlast WindKurohyō 2: Ryū ga GotokuRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesØ StoryKunoichiShinobiBujingai: The Forsaken CityBiomotor UnitronNeo Geo PocketSilent Line: Armored CoreArmored Core VI: Fires of RubiconRoyal Stone: Hirakareshi Toki no TobiraGame GearSuper Monkey Ball DeluxeSaber Marionette J: Battle SabersJumping Flash! 2Chase the ExpressAzumanga Donjara Daioh7th Dragon 2020Ninpu Sentai HurricanegerBlue DragonMotoGP 2London Seirei Tantei-danStreet Fighter III: 3rd StrikeSega Ages 2500: Vol.11 - Hokuto no KenAbalaburnBattle Arena Toshinden seriesCyber Egg: Battle ChampionCyber Troopers Virtual OnEpica StellaShining Force IIIKurt Feldman

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  • Happy holidays! Gamespot’s Lucy James drops down the Insert Credit chimney to cover Welsh elves, the first official weed strain for a video game, and Dreiblade. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and Lucy James. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    As the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, which three video game characters would be best at teaching Ebenezer Scrooge to change his miserly ways? (09:23)Do sliding ice physics ever positively contribute to a video game? (15:19)What do you think is the best selling non-video game item at GameStop as a gift this season? (21:35)Design the greatest Santa Claus video game of all time (30:48)How could dreidel be improved? (35:49)Which video game company probably holds the best Christmas party? (42:43)Based on video games, what do we know about elves? (49:05)What is the Rankin Bass of video games? (54:53)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: Name Design - Christmas Songs (01:01:19)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:12:28)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is YouEggnogThe Genealogy of Jesus the MessiahRockin’ Around the Christmas TreeMonstera deliciosaThe Twelve Days of ChristmasThe Da Vinci CodeA Christmas CarolEbenezer ScroogeTetsuya NomuraOrganization XIIIThe World Ends with YouMarluxiaMickey MouseKazuma KiryuGoro MajimaDavy CrockettBob CratchitThe Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)Mickey and the BeanstalkPinocchio (1940)Jiminy CricketJames StewartLies of PGuillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022)Pinocchio: A True Story (2021)Pinocchio (2002)NaviSuper Mario seriesCrash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes BackUncharted 4: A Thief’s EndThe Last of Us seriesX-Men licenseesKickle CubicleChip’s ChallengeLoki #248 Funko Pop! - Thor RagnarokPikachu Squishmallows PlushBreaking BadMinecraftJay and Silent BobFortniteSonic the Hedgehog seriesHalo seriesThe Lost and The WickedTom HollandDarth Vader Christmas SweaterPokémon Trading Card GameAlan Wake: RemasteredTom Clancy’s The DivisionTom HiddlestonSanta ClausMortal Kombat seriesJohn Wick (2014)BioShockDeath StrandingNorman ReedusStardew ValleyDaze Before ChristmasHanukkahDreidelHanukkah geltPaper fortune tellerBeybladeMario Party seriesSegaChristmas NiGHTS into Dreams…KonamiTokimeki Memorial gamesWargamingDevolver DigitalKeita TakahashiNoby Noby BoyTim SchaferJack BlackHeather HawkinsDreamcastLimp BizkitTed LassoThe Matrix (1999)The Eras TourElf BowlingLegend of Zelda seriesKeebler CompanyFudge StripesElvesThe Lost VikingsThree Dirty DwarvesTwo Crude DudesRankin/Bass Animated EntertainmentRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)Frosty the Snowman (1969)Rudolph’s Shiny New Year (1976)The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)ThunderCatsNorman RockwellFromSoftwareDoomRockstar GamesAmerican McGee’s AliceKingdom Hearts seriesSuper Smash Bros.Boba FettPornhub’s Most Popular Video Game Character In 2023 Was Chun-Li From… Fortnite?Insomniac Games

    Recommendations:

    Frank: Check out gamehistory.org where there will be a video about a very strange game called Super Sushi Pinball

    Brandon: Raiders of Atlantis (1983)

    Tim: Ferrari (2023)

    Lucy: Godzilla Minus One (2023)

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  • Brandon Sheffield hits the Tokyo Game Show 2023 floor and interviews Jeremy Blaustein, CEO of Dragonbaby and translator of legendary games like Metal Gear Solid, Suikoden, and Silent Hill 2.

    Segments**:**

    How did this all start for you? (01:01)What did you do at Jaleco? (02:02)What games did you work on? (03:59)Talk a little bit about character constraints in early video game localization (05:23)How did you manage outside references in Suikoden? (09:29)Talk a little bit about Symphony of the Night (11:49)How does the back-and-forth in recording go? (15:24)Were you working in isolation in the early days? (18:27)Were you working with Kojima’s team on Snatcher? (19:54)What’s your experience with Turbografx CD games? (21:07)Anything interesting about the Shadow Hearts series? (22:42)Talk a little bit more about Metal Gear Solid (25:25)What were the unique challenges of the early era of game translation? (27:50)How do you feel about accidentally creating iconic lines? (31:52)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Jeremy BlausteinDragonbabyKonamiJalecoSnatcherRocket Knight seriesAnimaniacsTiny Toon Adventures: Buster’s Hidden TreasureBiker Mice from MarsCastlevaniaContra Hard CorpsVandal HeartsSuikodenCastlevania: Symphony of the NightSilent Hill 2Troy BakerAnimaniacsThe Adventures of Batman & RobinJethro TullFrank ZappaCastlevania: BloodlinesLast AlertFinal Zone IIYs: Book I & IIShadow Hearts seriesPokémon seriesMaddie BlausteinRichard EpcarMetal Gear SolidDark Cloud 28-4Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

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  • Author and game developer merritt k joins the panel to cover The Game Commercials, Charles Martinet’s dark side, and the return of Violence Island. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Tim Rogers, Brandon Sheffield, and merritt k. Edited by Esper Quinn. Original Music by Kurt Feldman.

    [audio=https://archive.org/download/insertcredit/ic317.mp3]

    Questions this week:

    Brandon Sheffield: What are some recent or memorable emergent situations you’ve experienced in games? (08:21)Do we want to say anything about The Game Awards? (15:44)What does it mean that Epic won its court case against Google? (23:32)How would you design Mutant League Golf? (31:05)Dicegame Uchiha: What are the most uh oh and most YEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH moments in licensed video game soundtrack history? (35:16)What is your personal experience with LAN parties? (48:17)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: Violence Island (54:48)

    Recommendations and Outro (01:14:57)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    DestinyBorderlands 3Fortnite: Battle RoyaleBill TrinenCharles MartinetSuper Mario seriesKinda FunnyWeird WestCyberpunk 2077Grand Theft Auto seriesBaldur’s Gate IIIThe Elder Scrolls III: MorrowindThe Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesRed Dead Redemption IIElmore LeonardThe Game Awards 2023Sega announced five games in 90 seconds at The Game AwardsJet Grind Radio seriesBomb Rush CyberfunkHideki NaganumaGeoff KeighleyIronmouseVTuberOD trailer reveals horror game from Kojima, Jordan PeeleEpic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fightBandcampReese’s PiecesPokémonMonster Hunter seriesMega Man seriesResident Evil seriesStreet Fighter seriesMutant League seriesMario Golf: Super RushTrombone ChampFallout seriesRibbit KingDragulaCrazy Taxi seriesThe OffspringThe ExploitedNOFXBowling for SoupDexter HollandSmash MouthCoLD SToRAGEWipEout seriesPeep ShowSaints Row seriesEverclearThird Eye BlindDeath StrandingChvrchesMetal Gear Solid V: The Phantom PainSpandau BalletStranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy OriginFrank SinatraRock BandDragonforceGuitar Hero seriesBrütal LegendTim SchaferLAN partyDoomQuakeTakeshi no ChōsenjōTakeshi KitanoTribes seriesStarCraftCounter-StrikeSpaceteamStreetPass Mii PlazaAnker Prime 100W USB C ChargerUGREENJoel MillerBooker DeWittSiegfriedRoyDoomguyMaster Chief

    Recommendations:

    Brandon: Check out the Expect No Mercy longplay on the Expect No Mercy (1997) blu-ray, TNT’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas ft. Phil Hartman (1994), Scavengers Reign

    Merritt: 1900HOTDOG, LAN PARTY, Made in Canada

    Tim: Watch the 2023 Game Awards just to see when Geoff says “Honkai Star Rail”

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  • Topher Florence meditates on American Truck Simulator, confronting the friction between realistic advertisments and product placement, a Greatest Hits version of America, and the emotional palette of driving around in someone’s life’s work. By Topher Florence, with intro by Alex Jaffe. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    American Truck SimulatorEuro Truck SimulatorSix FlagsMadGrand Theft Auto seriesOutRunThe Crew seriesFuelGrand CanyonSpace NeedleMicrosoft Flight SimulatorHarvest Moon seriesAgatha Christie’s PoirotWaffle HouseDwarf Fortress

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  • Recorded before The Game Awards, and released the week after! The Insert Credit Panel decides the video game winners of categories unwittingly submitted by listeners. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    And The Categories Are:

    Gaagaagiins: Best Standardized Box Art Platform Frames (02:15)Propelleher: Best Scoff (05:35)rice9 : Best eSport of the 1980s (07:16)Breadytodie: Best Overtly Political Japanese Game (08:48)Cole: Best Campfire Scene (10:59)IntergalacticWalrus: Best Playable Non-Anthropomorphic Animal (13:14)Spencer: Best Game By an American Branch of a Japanese Company (16:02)Larky: Most Incidentally Educational Game (18:59)rearnakedwindow: Best Game Exclusive to a Legitimately Bad Console (22:13)Alex Jaffe: Best Video Game to Name Your Band After (24:53)ANONYMOUS GOD HAND LOVER: Game Most Like GOD HAND (27:15)Billy: Best Underwater Tunnel in a Racing Game (28:34)Sfwublin: Best Mine Carts (31:01)Justin Hamrick: Most Dangerous Video Game (33:47)Pro Skater 4: Most Evil Video Game (36:41)Erica: Most Video Game-Ass Video Game (39:05)

    Recommendations and Outro (42:08)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    The Game AwardsIntellivisionPC EngineMaster SystemPlayStationPlayStation 2PlayStation 3PlayStation PortablePlayStation 5PlayStation 4XboxNintendo Entertainment SystemQuake IITerry BogardX-MenStreet Fighter seriesPunch-Out seriesZelda II: The Adventure of LinkDog PatchBalloon FightMetal Gear seriesDeath StrandingMetal Wolf ChaosFire Emblem seriesIndependence Day (1996)Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)Chrono TriggerGrandiaFinal Fantasy XVMother 3Sakuna: Of Rice and RuinTenchu seriesJurassic Park: Rampage EditionPrimal RageDog’s LifeTawky TawnySylvester the CatTweetyStraySecret of EvermoreSonic the Hedgehog 2Sonic the Hedgehog: SpinballSonic the Hedgehog 3Sonic & KnucklesSonic the Hedgehog 3 & KnucklesSecret of ManaFinal Fantasy AdventureCarmen Sandiego seriesRiichi mahjongRock BandGunsmith CatsDemonschoolThe Typing of the DeadThe House of the Dead 2Call of Duty seriesAtari Jaguar3DO Interactive MultiplayerCD-iWay of the WarriorZelda: The Wand of GamelonPC-FXAlien Vs PredatorTempest 2000RaymanBonk’s RevengeDer LangrisserCrossed Swords IINeo Geo CDObscure Samurai Shodown RPG finally playable in EnglishPanzer Dragoon SagaDragonForceScott PilgrimClash at DemonheadRejection: Den-No SenshiFM TownsLunatic DawnThexderGod HandVanquishHakaioh: King of CrusherBand of BrothersStunt Race FXCruis’n BlastRush’n AttackEarthworm JimTommy TallaricoLucky & WildBioShockDonkey Kong CountryLittle Ralph’s Big AdventureIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomPanzer Dragoon II: ZweiAlundraLandstalkerIrritating StickPokémon GOThe Rub Rabbits!Feel the Magic XY/XXLovePlusBalan WonderworldZyngaFortnite: Battle RoyaleFarmVilleMafia WarsRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesDead or Alive: Xtreme Beach VolleyballLost JudgmentTakuya KimuraFighting VipersStreets of Rage

    Recommendations:

    Tim: If you are part of the committee that plans The Game Awards with Geoff Keighley, please come up with better award categories

    Frank: The Video Game History Foundation Patreon

    Brandon: Mr. Ray’s Wig World - Faster Kitty Cat Play Play

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • Brandon Sheffield interviews musician and game designer Masaya Matsuura of the band Psy・S, discussing the early days of computer graphics and sound, making music for anime, and why Vib Ribbon was so hard to get screenshots of. Intro by Alex Jaffe, edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Segments:

    Preface (00:29)How did you get into music? (03:20)How did you start making music yourself? (05:34)How did you move from writing jingles to full music (and which synths do you use)? (09:52)What was the experience of “getting big” like? (11:58)What is it like playing in front of large crowds? (14:16)How did you end up doing music for anime? (18:07)How did you move from there to video games? (21:42)What made you want to start a game company? (23:48)How did the Psy-S Remix CD-ROM game come to be? (30:49)What was the inspiration for Vib Ribbon’s mechanic allowing you to play your own music? (34:16)When did you decide to focus more on games than music? (38:57)What is your sound? (41:58)What do you learn from doing your private DJ sessions? (46:22)Preface for live performance (53:36)Masaya Matsuura - Funny Luv (Live at GameCity 2009)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    PaRappa the RapperVib-RibbonRhyme Rider KeroricanMojib RibbonPsy・SNHK HallCity HunterMetamor JupiterPlaytechsTower of the SunOsaka CastleJ-cardMoog IIIcFairlight CMISussudio3DO Interactive MultiplayerPlayStationCD-iPC EngineBonus: PSY・S★4 SIZE レーザーディスクBonus: “Chasing the Rainbow” at SIGGRAPH (1986) (thanks fivedollardare!)

    Insert Credit Gaiden is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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  • Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers and Brandon Sheffield answer Alex Jaffe’s questions about Nintendo’s last video game ever, committing fraud, and Turds of the Castle. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Tim Rogers, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman.

    Questions this week:

    What’s still easier for you to do in real life than in a video game? (11:10)How do you scam the speculative market with a storage container of five hundred copies of an underwhelming NES game? (16:49)What will be the title of Nintendo’s last game? (24:25)SpencerGifs asks: Has the video game controller been finalized? (34:58)What is the video game equivalent of film’s “award bait” traits? (43:27)Jean-Michel Basquiat said that art is how we decorate space, and music is how we decorate time. What do we decorate with video games? (52:09)

    LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Doom (53:47)

    Recommendations and Outro (58:55)

    Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums

    A SMALL SELECTION OF THINGS REFERENCED:

    Cracker BarrelBacchanal BuffetMetal slimeDragon Quest seriesSocratesRaiders of the Lost Ark (1981)Steven SpielbergUnicornThomas the Tank EngineIKEADensha de Go! seriesR.E.M. - StandR.E.M. - It’s The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)Top GearGran Turismo seriesRed Dead RedemptionRed Dead RevolverRed Dead Redemption IIThe Last of UsChun-LiRetro City GamesImpossible MissionCheetahMen IIThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the KingdomThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildGame Dev StoryLady and the Tramp (1955)Wii Vitality SensorSynecdoche, New York (2008)Wim Hof MethodFrasierCheersSCUF ControllersDualShockDuncan IronmongerVin DieselDuncan IronmongerFortnite: Battle RoyaleCall of Duty seriesLeonardo DiCaprioAnnapurna InteractiveA24Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)The Witch (2015)The Lighthouse (2019)Under the Skin (2013)FlorenceThe Last of Us: Part IICrash BandicootThe Game AwardsSuper Mario seriesA Plague Tale seriesRyū ga Gotoku / Like a Dragon / Yakuza seriesHowLongToBeat.comMarvel Spider-ManGhost of TsushimaHorizon seriesGod of WarSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceElden RingGravitas VenturesAlan Wake seriesJean-Michel BasquiatAnimal Crossing: Happy Home Designer

    Recommendations:

    Frank: Subscribe to the Video Game History Foundation newsletter, Small Saga

    Brandon: Demonschool Battle Mechanics trailer

    Tim: Goblin Bunker Public Access 3 on 12/9 at 6PM PST

    This week’s Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you.

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